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St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

The St. Patrick's Day Parade in North Myrtle Beach will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 9:00 am sharp. The Parade route starts on Second Avenue North and continues to Main Street passing directly in front of Flynn's Irish Tavern. Join us at Flynn's for the biggest Parade in the South, next to Savannah. This year we will have several bagpipe bands in the parade in addition to bagpipers entertaining throughout the day. It can be a little chilly in the morning, visit Flynn's Irish Coffee Bar for one of our famous Irish Coffees or our special Bloody Mary's . . . if this is not to your liking, settle in for a pint or two. Make sure to stay around and enjoy some of the 800 pounds of Corned Beef, or one of our other famous Irish Dishes. What time will it end – Who Knows?! At Flynn's, St Patrick's Day is a weeklong celebration, the weekend will kick off on Friday night with many Irish Specials on the menu, music provided by Brian Tiernan. After the parade on Saturday join us for authentic Irish Music by Tom Hughes. Harlequin will then be performing Saturday evening. On St. Patricks Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2009, Flynn's will open at 11:00 am. Join us for lunch and be prepared to party – games, prizes, and lots of good old fashion fun, top the evening off with traditional Irish fare and authentic Irish music by Tom Hughes. The only place to spend Patty's Day is Flynn's Irish Tavern . . . and don't forget to pick up one of our collectors T-Shirts that are only available this special weekend. See Ad on page 9 and Article on page 11

For more information about Flynn’s Irish Tavern call 843-249-6533 or go to www.flynnstavern.com

Articles and Upcoming Events: Relay for Life Coming to Coastal Carolina University page 4 Red Cross to Seek Partnership for Swim Lesson Scholarships page 4 The Moveable Feast March Schedule page 4 Dollars & Sense . . . Tips and Strategies page 5 SBA Warns of Fraudulent Attempts on Small Businesses page 5 Flynn’s Irish Tavern page 11

Volume 4 Issue 3

PUBLISHER:

Boomers Cruise the Mediterranean page 12

Schaefer Design Studio P.O. Box 2221 Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

1st Annual Dragon Boat Festival page 12

GRAPHIC PRODUCTION:

Coastal Carolina University March Cultural Schedule page 13

Sherrill “Shea” Schaefer

ADVERTISING ACCOUNTS: Bruce Schaefer

PHOTOGRAPHY: Bruce Schaefer

Bruce & Shea

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jean Kuhn - Murrells Inlet Rainee Marshall - Myrtle Beach Angela Nicholas - Myrtle Beach

Gullah Geechee Rice Celebration page 14 The Michelle Obama History Quilt page 14

David X. Ognek - Surfside Beach Andrew Rodrigues - Pawleys Island Victoria Salyers - Myrtle Beach

843-421-2363 • e-mail: [email protected]

View The Coastal Journal on-line:

The Coastal Journal is a monthly publication and is distributed FREE along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Litchfield, Georgetown, and Conway.

www.coastaljournal.sc

All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material, in part or whole, designed by Schaefer Design Studio and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited. The Coastal Journal 2009 ©

Click on individual ads to go directly to our advertisers websites. 3 COASTAL JOURNAL

The Moveable Feast

This popular series of literary luncheons, each featuring an exciting author at different Waccamaw Neck restaurants, is held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fee is $25 and most feasts are followed by a signing at Litchfield Books at 2 p.m. Reservations are requested by the Wednesday prior to the feast by visiting the office inside The Chocolate & Coffee House in the Litchfield Exchange, online (www.classatpawleys.com) or by phone, 235-9600. Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:00 AM Rita Schuler (Small-town Slayings in South Carolina) at DeBordieu Beach Club

Relay For Life is coming to CCU: the method behind its madness

Photo: Marilyn E. Culler

Written By Rainee Marshall In the mid-1980s, a surgeon from Tacoma, Washington, decided that cancer victims needed help. Dr. Gordy Klatt wanted to raise money for his local American Cancer Society office and his patients who were victims of the disease. Looking for a way to help, he devised a plan in which he could use one of his strengths—running. In May 1985, 300 of Klatt’s friends, family and patients watched him spend a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at Tacoma’s University of Puget Sound. Throughout the night, friends each donated $25 to run or walk with Klatt for 30 minutes. By the end of the event he had run more than 83 miles, and his efforts raised $27,000 to fight cancer. After the event, Klatt realized the impact, and with the help of Pat Flynn—now known as the “Mother of Relay”—19 teams took part in the first team Relay event on the track of the historic Stadium Bowl and raised over $33,000. Since then, Relay For Life “has evolved into a big party to celebrate, remember, and donate for the fight against cancer,” said community resident and past Relay attendee Marshall Easterling. “The overnight Relay is filled with camping, eating, connecting with new people, and sharing stories. Running/walking around a track has become only a portion of the events that take place.” At the beginning of each event, teams of people from all walks of life assemble at a local track. The first lap kicks off the Relay in a moving celebration of cancer survivorship. During Survivors Lap, cancer survivors take a victory lap around the track. Over the 24-hour period, one member from each team is asked to be on the track at all times. A candlelight ceremony—or Luminaria Ceremony of Hope—is held in the evening to honor cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease. The Relay’s purpose is to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer; seeing the strength of survivors often inspires others to continue to fight. At Relay, those who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve, heal and fight back. Others participate because their hearts have been touched by the impact of cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease, which will afflict one in three of us at some point in our lives. “My grandmother has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is going through chemotherapy now,” said George Kite, a student at Horry Georgetown Technical College. “I see the toll that it takes on her every day, and only now understand that magnitude of people this is affecting in the world. I think that at some point in life every one will be touched by the grief that cancer brings, which is why Relay For Life hits home for so many people: everyone can relate, come together, and band as people to fight it. It’s really something wonderful.” The funds raised by Relay For Life save lives by funding cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts and life-affirming patient services, and by raising awareness. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. More people are surviving cancer than ever before, and there are many reasons to celebrate.

Coastal Carolina University and S.T.A.R. (Students Taking Active Responsibility) will host Relay For Life on April 17, 2009, at their track field. For more information, to sign up or to donate, visit main.acsevents.org. 4 COASTAL JOURNAL

After 24 years with SLED as special agent/forensic photographer, Lieutenant Shuler has a passion for remembering the victims. Her new book (following "Carolina Crimes" and "Murder in the Midlands") takes us back in time, showing differences and similarities of crime solving in the past and present and some surprising twists of court proceedings, verdicts and sentences. From an unsolved case that has haunted her for 30 years to a cold case that was solved after 15 years by advanced DNA technology, Shuler blends her own memories with extensive research, resulting in a fast-paced, factual and fascinating look at crime in South Carolina.

Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM Jack Bass & Scott Poole (The Palmetto State) at Inlet Affairs in Murrells Inlet As South Carolina enters into the fourth century of its storied existence, the state's captivating, colorful and controversial history continues to warrant fresh explorations. In this sweeping story of defining episodes in the state's history, accomplished Southern historians Jack Bass and W. Scott Poole trace the key importance of race relations, historical memory and cultural life in the progress of the Palmetto State from its colonial inception to its present incarnation.

Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 11:00 AM Bill Noel (The Pier) at Sea View Inn "The Pier" picks up right where "Folly" left off without missing a beat. News of a suicide is the topic of discussion at a housewarming party for Chris Landrum, the newest resident of Folly Beach, a small barrier island off of historic Charleston.While certainly unfortunate, a stranger's death has no significance for the recently retired Kentuckian, until a friend convinces him the fatality could not have been suicide. Noel excels at murder mysteries with suspense, humor and a little romance thrown in. (menu available)

Red Cross to Seek Partnership for Swim Lesson Scholarships Submitted by Angela Nicholas

The local chapter of the American Red Cross will seek partnerships with local swimming pools to offer free or reduced cost swim lessons for residents of Sandy Island during the spring and summer. This effort is in response to the recent tragic drowning of three of the islands residents when their boat sank just off shore. This would be the second time the local Red Cross has partnered to provide safety training to the island’s residents, said Angela Nicholas, chief executive officer of the Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross. Due to the island’s unique circumstances that make it accessible only by boat, the Red Cross recognized that families might be at higher risk during emergencies. So on May 14, 2008, the local chapter, which covers Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties, partnered with Sandy Island fire officials to provide a free CPR and First Aid seminar at the Sandy Island library. Partnering in this effort was WPDE News Channel 15 which covered the cost of First Aid & CPR for Everyone home tool kits that were given to each of the 28 households on the island. The tool kit includes a DVD with instructions on how to perform CPR while waiting on emergency assistance, and other lifesaving information. FSA Fire and Water Restoration Company and the local Lowe’s store joined in to provide a fire extinguisher and smoke detector for each of the homes.

Sandy Island residents interested in receiving swim lessons should contact the chapter at 546-5422 in Georgetown or 477-0020 in Myrtle Beach.

American Red Cross

Coastal South Carolina Chapter 2795 Pampas Drive • Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 A United Way Community Partner

SBA Warns of Fraudulent Attempts to Obtain Bank Account Information from Small Businesses The U.S. Small Business Administration issued a scam alert to small businesses, warning them not to respond to letters falsely claiming to have been sent by the SBA asking for bank account information in order to qualify them for federal tax rebates. The fraudulent letters were sent out with what appears to be an SBA letterhead to small businesses across the country, advising recipients that they may be eligible for a tax rebate under the Economic Stimulus Act, and that SBA is assessing their eligibility for such a rebate. The letter asks the small business to provide the name of its bank and account number. These letters have not been sent by or authorized by the SBA, and all small businesses are strongly advised not to respond to them.

Social Security, Other Income and Taxes: The topic for this month With the economy in the shape it is, folks may be thinking of collecting Social Security sooner rather than later. We will focus on the taxation and reduction of benefits if a recipient continues to work or has other income. How much, if any, of your social security benefits are taxable depends on your total income and marital status. Generally, if social security benefits were your only income for 2008, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return. If you received income from other sources, your benefits will not be taxed unless your modified adjusted gross income is more than the base amount for your filing status. This quick calculation will give an indication your benefits may be taxed: First, add one–half of the total social security you received to all your other income, including any taxexempt interest and other exclusions from income. Then, compare this total to the base amount for your filing status. If the total is more than your base amount, some of your benefits may be taxable.

The scheme is similar in many ways to e-mail scams often referred to as "phishing" that seek personal data and financial account information that enables another party to access and individual's bank accounts or to engage in identity theft.

The SBA is working with the SBA Office of Inspector General to investigate this matter. The Office of Inspector General asks that anyone who receives such a letter report it to the OIG Fraud Line at 1 (800) 767-0385, or e-mail at [email protected]. Anna C. Huntley, Public Information Officer SBA South Carolina District Office • (803) 253-3753

THE 2008 BASE AMOUNTS ARE:

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$32,000 for married couples filing jointly

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$25,000 for single, head of household, qualifying widow/widower with a dependent child, or married individuals filing separately who did not live with their spouses at any time during the year

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$0 for married persons filing separately who lived together during the year

How much can you earn and still get benefits? If you work and are full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn. If you were born January 2, 1943, through January 1, 1955, then your full retirement age for retirement insurance benefits is 66. If you are younger than full retirement age, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full Social Security benefits. If you are younger than full retirement age during all of 2009, SSA must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earned above $14,160. If you reach full retirement age during 2009, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $3 you earn above $37,680 until the month you reach full retirement age.

EXAMPLES: You begin receiving Social Security benefits at age 62 in January 2009 and your payment is $600 per month. During the year, you work and earn $20,480 ($6,320 above the $14,160 limit). SSA would withhold $3,160 of your Social Security benefits ($1 for every $2 you earn over the limit). To do this, benefit payments from January 2009 to June 2009 would be withheld. Beginning in July 2009, you would receive your benefit each month for the rest of the year. In January 2010, you will receive any adjustment due. If you reach retirement age in 2009and you earned $39,000 from January through October, SSA would withhold $440 ($1 for every $3 you earn above the $37,680 limit). To do this, your first check of the year would be withheld. Beginning in February 2009, you will receive your $600 benefit, and this amount will be paid to you each month for the remainder of the year. We would pay you the remaining $160 dollars in January 2010. Sources: Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.

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Flynn’s Irish Tavern ´ failte!” “céad mile ´

Located on Main Street in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach, Flynn’s Irish Tavern is a locals favorite and a must stop for annual and first time visitors to the Grand Strand. Just a short walk from the wide sandy beaches and first class accommodations of Ocean Drive, and a short ride from the many championship golf courses that populate the north strand. Flynn’s is a perfect place to enjoy a pint or two after a day on the beach or the golf links. Flynn’s is owned and operated by the Flynn Family and the authentic look and old country feel of the establishment comes from Marty’s place of birth, County Roscommon, Ireland. The tavern is housed in the former North Myrtle Beach jail, in fact, the jail cells are still here and tours are given upon request. Pull up a chair in the tavern and enjoy the sounds of Irish music in the background while you take your pick from our menu that features traditional Irish fare and other favorites. Freshly prepared foods are the order of the day. Start your meal with a tasty appetizer or one of Flynn’s famous homemade soups such as a cheesy crock of Irish Onion, traditional Irish Potato or creamy She Crab. Select an entrée featuring delicious steaks, seafood or chicken grilled to perfection or enjoy a Reuben (finest in the land) with Flynn’s hand cut Irish fries. Traditional Corned beef and cabbage dinner is served Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Top off your meal with homemade Bread Pudding, éclair pie, chocolate bliss or banana cream pie. So sit back and enjoy the atmosphere, cuisine and hospitality that only Flynn’s can provide. Food is served Monday thru Saturday starting at 4:00 PM

THE TAVERN The Bar Area of the Tavern which is seperate from the dining room is decorated with some very unique antiques, most of which were brought over from Ireland. Also, there is an array of sports pictures such as boxing, baseball, and football. Many are personally autographed by the stars. Another unique feature of the Tavern is the veranda, located directly outside the bar area. It seats about 25 people. A beautiful place to sit and enjoy a summers evening while enjoying your favorite beverage, listening to an Irish tune, in full view of a lovely rose garden.

GUINNESS & BEERS Flynn’s is a wonderful place to enjoy ”The Perfect Pint,“ a 20 oz ”Imperial Pint“ of Guinness, or a cold Harp, Bass, or Smithwicks, not to mention our famous Black & Tan, Half & Half, Blacksmith, or a Snakebite. We also carry a wide selection of both Domestic and Imported Draft and Bottle beers.

IRISH WHISKEY There is no better way to finish an evening at Flynn’s than to order our world famous Irish Coffee. ”Our Secret Recipe“ Irish Coffee can be made with one of the 31 Irish Whiskeys Flynn’s has to offer. Our personal favorite is John Powers Gold Label Irish Coffee. But you haven’t lived until you have tasted a Hot Bunratty Meade while sitting on the veranda listening to tunes from the Old Sod. See ”Irish Spirits“ for a complete listing of our Irish selections. In addition to our Irish selection, we also offer a wide selection of scotch, whisky, vodka, gin, rum, brandy, and tequila.

FLYNN’S COLLECTION OF IRISH WHISKEY’S We take great pride in offering 31 different Irish whiskeys. We believe that there is no other establishment in America that can make this claim. We refer to our collection as ”Nectar of the Gods.“ Flynn’s Tavern is also a proud

owner of one of only 1,000 bottles of Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, that was shipped to the United States.

THE GUINNESS STORY In 1759, a determined young man named Arthur Guinness rode through the gate of an old, dilapidated and ill-equipped brewery sited on a small strip of land on Dublin’s James’ Gate. He had just signed a lease on the property for 9,000 years at £45 (Irish Pounds) per annum. His friends shook their heads in disbelief. Throughout the city of Dublin there were about 70 small breweries. Mr. Guinness’s newly acquired brewery was no more than average. But Arthur was about to change all of that. He was 34 years old. He knew that the products of this teeming, almost domestic, industry were highly unsatisfactory. Today, Arthur Guinness would have been proud of St. James’s Gate. No longer the largest (although still the largest Stout brewery) it is certainly one of the most modern breweries. GUINNESS is now also brewed in 35 other countries around the world, but all these overseas brews must contain a flavored extract brewed at St. James’s Gate. So the very special brewing skills of Arthur’s brewery, remain at the heart of every one of the 10 million pints of GUINNESS enjoyed everyday across the world.

Upcoming Events . . . Celtic Clan Come join us on Monday, March 9 to see the Celtic Clan. The Celtic Clan is the house band for The Black Rose in Boston. The Celtic Clan, all originally from Dublin is a mix between The Clancy Brothers and other Irish entertainers. Get here early for dinner and save a seat. The band will begin playing at 7:00 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade The St. Patrick's Day Parade in North Myrtle Beach will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 9:00 am sharp. The Parade route starts on Second Avenue North and continues to Main Street passing directly in front of Flynn's Irish Tavern. Join us at Flynn's for the biggest Parade in the South, next to Savannah. This year we will have several bagpipe bands in the parade in addition to bagpipers entertaining throughout the day. It can be a little chilly in the morning, visit Flynn's Irish Coffee Bar for one of our famous Irish Coffees or our special Bloody Mary's . . . if this is not to your liking, settle in for a pint or two. Make sure to stay around and enjoy some of the 800 pounds of Corned Beef, or one of our other famous Irish Dishes. What time will it end - who knows?! At Flynn's, St Patrick's Day is a weeklong celebration, the weekend will kick off on Friday night with many Irish Specials on the menu, music provided by Brian Tiernan. After the parade on Saturday join us for authentic Irish Music by Tom Hughes. Harlequin will then be performing Saturday evening. On St. Patricks Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2009, Flynn's will open at 11:00 am. Join us for lunch and be prepared to party . . . Games, Prizes, and lots of good old fashion fun, top the evening off with traditional Irish Fare and authentic Irish music by Tom Hughes. Don't miss the best party on the beach. The only place to spend Patty's Day is Flynn's Irish Tavern....and what ever you do, don't forget to pick up one of our collectors T-Shirts that are only available this special weekend.

Flynn’s Golf Tournament Our 8th Annual Golf tournament will be held Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Meadowlands Golf Course. The tournament is a Captains Choice starting at 9:00 am on the 1st and 10th tees. We are limiting the tournament to 80 golfers, so get in early because it fills up quickly. The cost is $70 per person which includes dinner and cocktails at Flynn’s afterwards. Profits from the Tournament will go to the Empty Stocking Fund which benefits needy children at Christmas and throughout the year. If you are interested in being a Hole Sponsor, contact Jane Flynn @ 843-249-6533.

Irish Italian Festival The Annual Irish Italian Festival will be held this year on Saturday, September 26th, 2009 at 9:00 am. Main Street will be closed to traffic; the street will be filled with food vendors from local restaurants and a wide variety of arts and crafts. The temperature is usually quite warm, but the beer is cold. There will be plenty of Irish music including The Dublin City Ramblers. In addition to this, there will be other Irish music and bagpipe bands performing throughout the day. Flynn’s is a co-founder and co-sponsor of this great event. Come and join the 25,000+ people who have enjoyed this event in the past. If you would like to participate as a vendor, please contact Heather Smith @ 843-281-3737.

Flynn's Paddywagon poured over 22 kegs of beer during the 2008 Irish Italian Festival. How many will we pour this year? Come and find out. Paddywagon and Black Maria are slang terms for either a police car, or a police vehicle used to transport large groups of people who have been arrested. The word paddywagon is of American origin. The precise origin of the term is uncertain and disputed, though its use dates back to at least the beginning of the 1900s. There are at least three theories as to how the phrase originated. Read more about this bit of history at www.flynnstavern.com. There is no question about the origin of Flynn’s Paddywagon- it was destined to bring Guinness and beer to the people. It can hold 15 kegs with 8 taps. What could be better?

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1st Annual Ground Zero

Dragon Boat Festival Saturday, April 25, 2009 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Grand Park at Market Commons

For more information contact Victoria Salyers GZ Community Relations Director 843-457-6330 [email protected]

Boomers Cruise the Mediterranean Written by Jean Kuhn

On October 30th, I escorted a group of baby boomers to Europe. We flew into Barcelona (a wonderful city to visit) to embark on a 12-night cruise. My group included 30 retirees, ages 50-70, ready to experience their first cruise in the Mediterranean. Like many baby boomers, we were very knowledgeable and savvy travelers. Everyone in the group had worked hard for many years and wanted to experience a trip of a lifetime. Our home for 12 nights, the beautiful Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas, took us to exotic destinations such as Kusadasi in Turkey, Athens, the island of Santorini in Greece, and jet-setting Monte Carlo in Monaco. We visited the breathtaking cities of Barcelona, Rome, and Florence, and we toured the beautiful Tuscan countryside. While traveling the cliffs of the famous Amalfi Drive in Italy, the group was serenaded on the bus by Agostino, our tour guide who had an excellent voice. We bought silk rugs in Turkey (great deals!), and experienced history firsthand by walking through the 2,000 year old ruins of Pompeii, Ephesus and Rome. During the trip, we enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. We talked about how the world has changed from "the good old days". One thing that hasn't changed is discounts for Baby Boomers! As soon as you hit double nickel or 55, take advantage of all discounts offered! The cruise lines are out there trying to reel us in with tremendous rate discounts. One example is a promotion called "European Boomer & Senior Saver" starting from $599 per person (more than a 60% discount from the original rate) for an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise. (Call me for more details.) Cruising is a great value for Baby Boomers. Especially these days, when money is tight, cruising presents an affordable opportunity to see the world.

SEVERAL CRUISE SPECIAL OFFERINGS: Book a summer vacation with the family aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Kids go for $99 each & receive up to $250 on board credit.* *Valid Thru 3/15/09 Princess Alaska Wilderness Sale Round Trip Seattle Cruisetours with incredible airfares, free upgrades & more. Valid thru 3/31/09 2/1 cruise fare savings to Alaska and Europe, save up to 50%. Offer ends 3/31/09 Carnival 3-8 day cruises with Early Saver Rates MSC Cruises European Boomer and Senior Saver starting at $599*, savings of 60%, Kids under 17 when travel with adults always travel free. Celebrate Celebrity Sailing out of Charleston! Rates start as low as $890 per person for a February 26, 2010 night Western - Interior Cabin $890, Ocean View $1040, Balcony $1340 - These rates include all port charges and Taxes. *Subject to availability, based on double occupancy.

Jean Kuhn is your community travel consultant with over 30 years in the travel industry. She has followed her passion to travel and see the world, and wants to share her expertise with you. Jean offers a unique experience when planning a trip. Whether you are interested in booking a cruise or a land tour, Jean will personalize your experience so that you can have your dream vacation. Jean can consult with you at your convenience by e-mail, by phone, over a cup of coffee at Atlanta Bread, or even in the comforts of your own home. There are many personal signature touches Jean can offer you, from writing a letter to a hotel for VIP treatment to finding discount rates that may not be available online. You can always reach her while you’re away if there is any need, giving you a sense of comfort that she has your best interests at heart. She will help to ensure that your vacation will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Jean Kuhn writes articles for community newsletters, hosts informational seminars about cruises and tours, and escorts travel groups.

For more information contact Jean at: 843-651-6936 or email her at [email protected] 12 COASTAL JOURNAL

March 2009 Cultural Schedule Coastal Carolina University is a vital center for higher learning and cultural activity for South Carolina’s Grand Strand region. Coastal Carolina University Theater and Music Department performances are selected to provide a variety of training opportunities to students and to offer audiences a variety of live performance experiences.

Coastal Carolina University Department of Music Liederabend Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts An evening of German lieder (song) presented by the voice students of the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts at Coastal Carolina University. Join us for an evening of poetry and song from Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Mahler, Strauss and other masters of the form. Admission: Free with ticket

Art Gallery Exhibition "Miruna Dragan: Interior Garden" March 23 to April 16 • Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening reception: Tuesday, March 24, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Art for Lunch presentation with Miruna Dragan: Tuesday, March 24, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery Amsterdam-based artist Miruna Dragan is known for her dynamically-conceived and brightly col-

Gospel Choir Spring Concert Sunday, March 8, 4:30 p.m. Wheelwright Auditorium Performances by the Coastal Carolina University Gospel Choir, now known as the Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors, showcase the talent and spirit of our student vocalists. The Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors will be joined by visiting choirs from the region for this moving and popular concert. Admission: Free with ticket

Chamber Recital Wednesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Wall Auditorium

ored works in a range of media — murals, glass paintings, outdoor installations. For this exhibit she creates a temporary site-specific wall painting for the Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery. Don’t miss it. Admission: Free

Spring Choral Concert Terri Sinclair, director Jacelyn Spearman, director Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. Wheelwright Auditorium The Coastal Carolina University Chamber and Concert Choirs, under the direction of Terri Sinclair, welcome the choirs from Conway High School, under the direction of Jacelyn Spearman, as their guests for this concert. Spring is in the air, and will be the theme of this concert. The Coastal

The Coastal Carolina University Department of Music presents its second annual Chamber

Carolina University and Conway choirs will each perform a portion of the concert separately and

Recital. This concert showcases the department’s numerous smaller musical ensembles in an

then the choirs will join forces for a surprise grand finale.

extravaganza that will feature music in a wide variety of styles, to include classical, jazz and popular idioms. The flute choir, guitar ensemble, chamber choir and the brass quintet are scheduled to perform.

General Admission: $9 • Alumni/senior citizens: $7 Coastal Carolina University and HGTC students: Free (one per valid ID) Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty/staff: Free (two per valid ID)

General Admission: $9 • Alumni/senior citizens: $7

Children and teens: Free (must be accompanied by an adult)

Coastal Carolina University and HGTC students: Free (one ticket per valid ID) Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty/staff: Free (two tickets per valid ID) Children and teens: Free (must be accompanied by an adult)

Na Fidleiri Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. Wheelwright Auditorium Na Fidleiri (Irish for “the fiddlers”) is an auditioned group of 9- to 18-year-old violinists from the

Faculty Chamber Recital Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Coastal Carolina University music faculty present a recital of chamber music of different instrumental combinations including the Faculty Wind Quintet and the Tully/Hull Guitar duo. The concert will also include compositions of Meira Warshauer, the Nancy A. Smith Distinguished Visitor in Residence for 2008-2009. Admission: Free with ticket

Charleston, S.C., area who play Celtic folk music. Their thrilling performances have delighted audiences at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Savannah Irish Festival, the S.C. State Fair and other events. The ensemble has a performing repertoire of over 50 tunes, primarily Irish in origin, performed entirely from memory with traditional accompaniment. Na Fidleiri is a part of the Taylor Music Group, which sponsors a series of Celtic and classical educational workshops held each year in Charleston. Premium Performance Admission: $25 first floor rows A-M and balcony section I $20 first floor rows N-S and balcony section II Coastal Carolina University and HGTC students: $10 (one per valid ID) Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty/staff: $10 (two per valid ID) Senior citizens: $5 discount • Teens (ages 11 to 17): $5 discount

For more information about upcoming cultural events, contact Coastal Carolina University

843-349-2502 www.coastal.edu

Children (ages 10 and under): $10 (must be accompanied by adult)

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Festival Information:

Friday, April 10th 10:30 am - 6:00 pm

Location: Gullah Museum & Gullah O’oman Shop 421 Petigru Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 Telephone: 843-235-0747 or 843-215-8618 Events: Down Home Fish Fry, Gullah History, Poetry, Gullah Story Telling, Gospel Music, and Rice Wine Tasting

Saturday, April 11th 9:30 am - 6:00 pm Location: Parkersville Park, Pawleys Island

Events: 9:30am Parade Line-up, Waccamaw Elementary School - Marching Band 11:00 am: Celebration at Parkersville Park begins Gullah History and Music, Food Vendors, Entertainment (Professional and Local Talent), Sweetgrass Demonstrations, Dance Performers, Clowns, Children (Churn) Corner, Hammock, Quilt, Boat, Cane/Birdhouse Makers 14 COASTAL JOURNAL

The Michelle Obama History Quilt

From a Gullah Slave Cabin to the White House Created by Vermelle “Bunny” Smith Rodrigues Article Submitted by Andrew Rodrigues When the call was sent out that this quilt was going to be made, we were overjoyed and eager to participate. We looked forward to the fellowship and the opportunity to be working together again to sew this important quilt in honor of Michelle Obama’s family’s historical journey, “From a Gullah Slave Cabin to the White House”. We are not a quilting guild or a perfect quilting club. We are a group of old Gullah/Geechee people who quilt by adding pieces on fabric that tells a story about “We People”. We do almost all the applique free hand, like our ancestors did. Cutting out patterns and sewing them on the quilt. Accordingly, some seams and stitches are not even, that is called quilting with love from the heart. That love from the heart also involved the salmon caked and potatoes and the Gullah red rice and sausage that fellow quilters, Evelyn and James Wragg, wife and husband, prepared for us. The CAAHO (Committee for African-American History Observances) Quilters and other members of the community, most of whom are over seventy years old and of different religious and ethnic groups helped with assembling this quilt. The Rubies, a teenage Christian youth group of young ladies, also assisted in its assembling. Some community members traveled as many as thirtyfive miles to Georgetown in order to help assemble the quilt. We would like to acknowledge the special contribution of the following individuals and groups.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO: CAAHO, for allowing The Quilting Circle to use its facilities. The Quilting Circle, Vermelle “Bunny” Smith Rodrigues, Mabell Smith, Ruthena Alston, Flo Pinckney, Evelyn Wragg, James Wragg The Washington Post - Shailagh Murray, Staff Writer Coastal Observer of Pawleys Island, SC - Tanya Ackerman, Photographer & Jackie R. Broach The Community Members, The Rubies, Jeanette B. Anderson, Shirley Britton, Gerry Nelson, U., Alex Gore, Lillian Jean John, Thelma Spears, Ann Potterfield, Frank Lathe, Eunice Champion, Andrew Rodrigues, Janette H. Rodrigues, Thelma Shubrick, Joann Thompson, Eunice Johnson, Iris Johnson, Margaret Williams, Dorethia Simmons, Dot Drayton The quilt depicts Michelle Obama’s family’s historical journey. The slave cabin in which Michelle’s great great grandfather, Jim Robinson lived on the Friendfield Plantation, located on the Sampit River in Georgetown County; her great great grandmother who worked in the rice fields; her great grandfather, Fraser Robinson, Sr. who had to have an arm amputated after a tree fell on him, are among the ten pieces of history that borders the quilt. The centerpiece of the quilt depicts Michelle graduating from Princeton University and from Harvard University Law School. The centerpiece also depicts Michelle Obama as a strong “Gullah O’oman” who with Barack, her husband, carries her ancestors dreams, hopes, and aspirations; and those of all of America’s people.

A photo/poster of Michelle’s quilt and other quilts will be on display during this years 7th Annual Gullah/Geechee Rice Celebration located at Parkersville Park in Pawleys Island on Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th. Please join family and friends to celebrate this special event.

15 COASTAL JOURNAL